Ozeki Kotozakura kicked off his campaign for a first championship title with an impressive win over komusubi Hiradoumi on Sunday, September 8, the opening day of the Autumn Basho.
In the day's final bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Kotozakura used a thrust-down technique at the center of the ring to send Hiradoumi sprawling to the dirt surface.
Kotozakura is hoping to take advantage of the absence of yokozuna Terunofuji to win his first Emperor's Cup at the 15-day Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Terunofuji, who won his 10th championship title in the previous tournament in July, was forced to pull out on Friday due to symptoms of diabetes and chronic knee pain.
In other major bouts, Takanosho got a double inside position on Hoshoryu and overwhelmed the ozeki before sending him out with a frontal push-out to start with a win.
Top maegashira Takanosho went an impressive 12-3 in the July tournament in Nagoya before losing to Terunofuji in a winner-take-all playoff.
"I really gained a lot of confidence from the previous tournament and hope to carry the momentum into this meet," Takanosho said.
Hoshoryu lost on the opening day for the fourth straight time.
Successful Start at Autumn Basho for Onosato
Sekiwake Onosato displayed spectacular footwork on the straw ridge while slapping down Atamifuji to come away with a win against the No 2 maegashira.
Atamifuji gave Onosato a run for his money but touched down with his hand just before Onosato stepped out.
Sumo's Flying Monkey Tobizaru dodged to his side at the face-off and then used an overarm throw to send sekiwake Abi down to the clay for an upset win.
Top maegashira Tobizaru used the surprise technique at the face-off but should be cautious not to use it too much as it is frowned upon by sumo purists.
Mixed Results for Wrestlers Seeking Return to Ozeki
No 3 maegashira Mitakeumi got an inside grip with his right hand after the face-off and drove out sekiwake Takakeisho to pick up the opening-day win.
Takakeisho, who has four makuuchi division titles under his belt, was demoted to sekiwake after compiling a disappointing 5-10 record in the July tournament.
Under Japan Sumo Association rules, Takakeisho can earn automatic promotion back to sumo's second-highest rank by winning 10 or more bouts in this tournament.
Sekiwake Kirishima, another wrestler hoping to return to ozeki, deployed a series of powerful shoves to the upper body to force No 2 maegashira Oho to step out of the ring.
No 3 maegashira Wakamotoharu fought off a powerful arm thrust to the neck and recovered with a frontal push-out win over komusubi Daieisho.
Churanoumi deployed a frontal push-out to defeat fellow No 7 maegashira Wakatakakage to kick off his Autumn Basho campaign with a win.
Wakatakakage posted an impressive 11-4 record as a 14th-ranked maegashira in July and is hoping to either match or improve on that record this time out.
Tamawashi Closes in on a Record
In a battle of No 10 maegashira, Russian Roga used an underarm throw to defeat Mongolian Tamawashi for an opening-day win.
Veteran Tamawashi, who is 39, was competing in his 1,629th consecutive bout. He will set a new record for consecutive matches on Day 3.
Shirokuma Wins Top Division Debut
Top division rookie Shirokuma (1-0) used a textbook frontal force-out to defeat Kitanowaka. Both wrestlers entered the tournament at the rank of No 16 maegashira.
"I was really nervous but I was able to execute my brand of sumo," said Shirokuma.
He added, "I just want to use my power to get as many wins as possible in this tournament."
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Author: Jim Armstrong
The author is a longtime journalist who has covered sports in Japan for over 25 years. You can find his articles on SportsLook.
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